Bioinsecticide PA1b alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation and impairment of bovine mammary epithelial cells.

Pea Albumin 1, subunit b (PA1b) is a 37 amino acid peptide. It was extracted from pea seeds and showed significant insecticidal activity against certain insects, such as the mosquitoes Culex pipiens and Aedes aegyptii, cereal weevils (genus Sitophilus), and certain species of aphids. Considering that pea seeds are regularly consumed by humans and mammals, PA1b is assumed to be a promising bioinsecticide with no allergenicity or toxicity to hosts. To clarify this aspect, PA1b was applied to bovine mammary epithelial cells challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results revealed that LPS induced inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) secretion, while PA1b depressed these cytokines release via inhibiting NF-κB signaling activation. In addition, PA1b protected mammary epithelial cells from impairment caused by LPS, because it reduced cell membrane permeability and subsequently reconstructed mammary epithelial cell viability. Moreover, it inhibited cell apoptosis accompanied with alleviated oxidative stress. Furthermore, PA1b prevented opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores, in turn up-regulated mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production. Therefore, PA1b improved mitochondrial function, which contributed to re-construction of mammary epithelial cell viability. In conclusion, PA1b alleviates LPS-induced inflammation of bovine mammary epithelial cells via inhibiting NF-κB signaling activation and protects bovine mammary epithelial cells by improving mitochondrial function. PA1b is a good therapeutic survival factor for mammary epithelial cells.

Novel soybean polypeptide dglycin alleviates atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

Atherosclerosis is a dominant cause of cardiovascular disease. Accumulation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), formation of foam cells, and endothelial dysfunction within the arterial intima contribute to atherosclerotic plaque formation. Soy consumption is thought to have positive effect on the prevention of atherosclerosis. Therefore, in the present study, a novel soybean polypeptide dglycin was purified and characterized. Oral administration of 20 mg/g.d dglycin reduced 47.6 % lesion area, and 49.1 % lipid deposition in the atherosclerotic plaques in aortic roots in ApoE-/- mice. In addition, it decreased the levels of 26.0 % plasma low-density lipoprotein, 27.2 % triglyceride, 40.1 % cholesterol, 25.1 % malondialdehyde and 24.2 % tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα). In vitro experiments revealed that dglycin inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion from aortic endothelial cells via the inhibition of NF-κB signaling. Furthermore, it inhibited reactive oxygen species generation, subsequently enhanced cell viability, and protected aortic endothelial cells from necrosis and apoptosis via mitochondrial function improvement. On the other hand, dglycin prevented the uptake of oxidized LDL by macrophages via suppressing the expression of scavenger receptor class A1, which suggested that dglycin prevented foam cell formation. Therefore, dglycin alleviated the early-stage of atherosclerosis via depressing inflammation, lipid deposition, protecting aortic endothelial cells and preventing foam cell formation.

Mining and analysis of adverse drug events signals of nilotinib based on FDA adverse event database / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To provide a reference for safe drug use in clinic. METHODS ADE reports related to nilotinib from the first quarter of 2007 to the fourth quarter of 2022 were collected from the US FDA adverse event reporting system database. The reporting odds ratio （ROR） and proportional reporting ratio （PRR） of disproportionality measures were used to mine potential ADE signals，which were compared with drug instruction and related case report， and were screened and analyzed according to the designated medical events （DME） list formulated by the European Medicines Agency. RESULTS Totally 23 332 cases of ADE with nilotinib as the primary suspected drug were reported. A total of 359 positive signals were obtained，involving 24 system organ classes （SOC），mainly concentrated in various examinations，heart organ diseases，vascular and lymphatic diseases，all kinds of nervous system diseases，etc. Among them，ADEs such as vertebral artery stenosis，coronary artery stenosis，arterial disease，liver infection and the second primary malignant tumor were not mentioned in the instructions. Seven DMEs were detected，of which bone marrow failure，pulmonary hypertension and deafness were not mentioned in the drug instruction. CONCLUSIONS The common ADE signals of nilotinib excavated in this study are consistent with the instructions. In clinical use，special attention should be paid to DME not mentioned in the instructions such as bone marrow failure，pulmonary hypertension and deafness； cardiac function， blood glucose and blood lipid indexes should be monitored closely.

Worsening renal function and the plasma B-type natriuretic peptide in prognosis of patients with acute heart failure / 中国综合临床

Objective:To analyze the effects of different plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) changes on worsening renal function (WRF) on 1-year all-cause mortality in patients with acute heart failure (AHF).Methods:The clinical data of 399 patients with AHF admitted to our hospital from January 2015 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the severity of WRF, the patients were divided into non-severe worsening renal function (nsWRF) group, severe worsening renal function (sWRF) group and non-WRF group. Plasma BNP decrease was defined as a reduction of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) at the time of discharge by ≥30% compared with the time of admission.Demographic characteristics and medical history, clinical data at admission, during hospitalization and at discharge, and survival status 1 year after discharge were collected. The measurement data presented in the form of normal distribution are as follows: single factor analysis of variance is used for comparison between groups, and LSD- t test is used for comparison between pairs; The Kruskal Wallis rank sum test was used for the multi group comparison of non normal distribution measurement data, and Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for the pairwise comparison. The comparison of counting data between groups was conducted using χ 2 test. Survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan Meier method and Log rank test, and the Cox proportional risk regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of 1-year all-cause mortality in patients. Results:399 cases of AHF were divided into nsWRF group with 68 cases, sWRF group with 82 cases, and nWRF group with 249 cases. 86 cases (21.5%) died within 1 year after discharge. The one-year mortality rate of the sWRF group was higher than that of the nWRF group and nsWRF group [42.7% (35/82) vs 16.1% (40/249), 16.2% (11/68)], and the differences were statistically significant (The χ 2 values were 24.94 and 12.28 respectively, both P<0.001), while there was no statistically significant difference between the nWRF group and the nsWRF group (χ 2=0.00、 P=0.982). The 1-year mortality rate of the nWRF group and sWRF group with decreased BNP during hospitalization was lower than that of the non decreased BNP group [29.1% (6/55) vs 70.4% (19/27), 10.5% (17/162) vs 26.4% (23/87), The χ 2 values are 12.61 and 10.67 respectively, and the P values are <0.001 and 0.001, respectively. The occurrence of nsWRF during hospitalization did not increase the one-year all-cause mortality risk of AHF patients ( P=0.754), but the occurrence of sWRF increased the all-cause mortality risk of AHF patients (odds ratio=2.33, 95% confidence interval: 1.31-4.13, P=0.004). The decrease in BNP during hospitalization reduced the one-year all-cause mortality risk of AHF patients (odds ratio=0.36, 95% confidence interval: 0.23-0.55, P<0.001). Conclusions:NsWRF does not increase the one-year all-cause mortality risk of AHF patients, while sWRF increases the one-year all-cause mortality risk, and a decrease in BNP during hospitalization reduces the one-year all-cause mortality risk.

Perioperative rehabilitation of children undergoing lingual frenoplasty under dexmedetomidine nasal drip combined with esketamine anesthesia / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To observe the perioperative rehabilitation of children undergoing lingual frenoplasty under dexmedetomidine nasal drip combined with esketamine anesthesia.Methods:100 children who underwent lingual frenoplasty in Changsha Maternal and Child Health Hospital from 2020 to 2021 were randomly divided into two groups: the esketamine group (E group, 50 cases) and the dexmedetomidine nasal drip combined with esketamine group (DE group, 50 cases). The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) , blood oxygen saturation (SpO 2) and respiratory rate (RR) were measured, and the patients were admitted to the post anesthesia recovery unit (PACU) after operation. The modified Aldrete score, Visual Analogue Score (VAS), Wake-up Restlessness Score, food intake (clear water) time and hospital leaving time were observed at 10 min, 30 min, 60 min and 120 min after operation. Results:There was no significant difference in SpO 2 and RR, MAP and HR at T 0 and T 6 between the two groups (all P>0.05). The MAP and HR at T 1, T 2, T 3, T 4 and T 5 in DE group were lower than those in E group (all P<0.05). The modified Aldrete score of DE group was higher than that of E group, and the VAS and Wake-up Restlessness Score were lower than that of E group (all P<0.05); The time of food intake (clear water) and leaving hospital were shorter than those in Group E, with statistically significant difference (all P<0.05). Conclusions:In children′s lingual frenoplasty, dexmedetomidine nasal drip combined with esmketamine can more effectively relieve postoperative pain and agitation than esmketamine alone, shorten children′s postoperative eating time, leave the hospital earlier, and enhance recovery of children.

Treatment of knee osteoarthritis with six-step manipulation combined with extracorporeal shock wave / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical effect of six-step manipulation combined with extracorporeal shock wave in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.@*METHODS@#Seventy-six patients with KOA from December 2016 to June 2018 were divided into control group and treatment group, 38 in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with oral medicine combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy, while the patients in the treatment group were treated with six-step manipulation combined with shock wave therapy. The VAS score, WOMAC score and clinical efficacy of the two groups were compared before treatment, 1 day, 1 month and 6 months after treatment.@*RESULTS@#There was no significant difference in VAS score and WOMAC score between the two groups before treatment(>0.05). VAS score and WOMAC score in treatment group were significantly lower than those in control group at 1 day, 1 month and 6 months after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant(<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Six-step manipulation combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy can significantly alleviate pain and improve knee function in patients with knee osteoarthritis, and the clinical effect is obvious.

Application of soft tissue loosening and acetabular reconstruction in hip replacement for patients with severe femoral head necrosis / 中南大学学报(医学版)

To explore the effect of application of soft tissue loosening and acetabular reconstruction in hip replacement for patients with severe femoral head necrosis on joint function.
 Methods: From June 2012 to August 2016, 68 patients with severe femoral head necrosis (Ficat III, IV) underwent total hip replacement with soft tissue release and acetabular reconstruction at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. Total hip replacement is performed by the posterolateral approach. The acetabulum was rebuilt and the length of the affected limb was prolonged after clearing the scar tissue, proliferating the epiphysis, releasing the abductor muscle group and the adductor muscle group, dissecting the soft tissue around the acetabulum. One year after surgery, Harris score, X-ray positive lateral radiograph for the affected side and full-length X-ray examination for both lower extremities were performed to evaluate the curative effect.
 Results: The postoperative follow-up time ranged from 1.0 to 5.5 years. All patients' femoral heads returned to normal anatomical position and the affected limb length was restored to 1.5-3.5 cm; all patients did not damage the sciatic nerve. The Harris scores for 68 patients increased from 38.6±7.5 to 78.2±5.7 (P=0.029) in the first year after surgery.
 Conclusion: During hip replacement surgery for severe femoral head necrosis, soft tissue dissection and acetabular reconstruction can be used to ensure anatomical reconstruction for the acetabular fossa and to improve abductor function.

Ancestry Inference Using the ForenSeqTM DNA Signature Prep Kit / 法医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of 56 ancestry informative single nucleotide polymorphism （aiSNP） genetic markers in the ForenSeqTM DNA Signature Prep Kit on ancestry inference. Methods A total of 85 samples from five populations including Hebei Han population, Inner Mongolia autonomous region Mongolian population, Tibet autonomous region Tibetan population, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region Uygur population and Nigerian population were collected. The library was constructed with the ForenSeqTM DNA Signature Prep Kit and sequencing was performed based on the MiSeq FGx Forensic Genomics System. Using universal analysis software （UAS） of ForenSeqTM, principal component analysis （PCA）, Structure and likelihood ratio method was used on the genotyping data of 56 aiSNP markers, respectively, and the genetic relationships between populations and inference of the origin of ancestors were analyzed. Results Among the five populations tested, the four ethnic populations in China （Hebei Han population, Inner Mongolia autonomous region Mongolian population, Tibet autonomous region Tibetan population and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region Uygur population） could be significantly distinguished from Nigerian population. Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region Uygur individuals were shown as having mixed origins of ancestors and could be distinguished from the other three Chinese populations. However, the other three populations in China （Hebei Han population, Inner Mongolia autonomous region Mongolian population and Tibet autonomous region Tibetan population） could not be effectively distinguished by the system. Conclusion The 56 aiSNP markers in the ForenSeqTM DNA Signature Prep Kit can make accurate ancestry inference from the intercontinental level, but it is not yet able to distinguish between Chinese subpopulations.

Stable Knockout of lncRNA DANCR Gene in Mesenchymal Stem Cells with a Dual-Target CRISPR Lentiviral Vector / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

@#【Objective】Using the CRISPR/Cas9（CRISPR/crispr-associated（Cas）9 method，a dual-target lentiviral vector containing single- guide RNAs（sgRNAs）targeting both the 5’and 3’ends of the anti- differentiation noncoding RNA（DANCR）gene was constructed. Stable knockout of DANCR gene in mesenchymal stem cells（MSC）would be helpful for the future study of the biological function of DANCR.【Methods】Designed sgRNAs targeting either the 5’or 3’ end of DANCR and cloned into two CRISPR vectors. The vector was transfected into 293FT cells，and the genomic DNA of 293FT cells was extracted to verify the efficiency of individual sequence. Two functional sgRNAs targeting either the 5’ or 3’end were incorporated into a same lentiviral CRISPR vector through gateway and enzymatic ligation. 293FT was used for lentiviral packaging，after which the virus was harvested to infect MSC，and the knockout efficiency of DANCR in MSC was detected.【Results】All four sgRNA sequences targeting DANCR successfully guided Cas9 to cleave the gene. sgRNAs targeting either the 5’and 3’end were combined to establish a dual-target lentiviral vector for stable knockout of DANCR. The vector was packaged into lentivirus and infected MSC. Finally，we successfully obtained mesenchymal stem cell lines with DANCR gene knockout.【Conclusions】Using the CRISPR method，a dual-target lentiviral vector can efficiently and stably knock out DANCR gene in MSC.

Immunoregulatory effects of emodin on macrophages during Brucella infection / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To study the immunoregulatory effects of emodin on macrophages during Brucella infection and to provide theoretical and experimental basis for developing new drugs to treat brucello-sis. Methods Bone marrow cells were isolated from BALB/c mice and cultured with MG-CSF to induce differentiation. Flow cytometry was used to detect the differentiation of bone marrow cells into macrophages (MΦ) by using FITC-labeled mouse anti-F4/80 antibody and PE-labeled anti-CD11b antibody. MTT meth-od was used to detect the influences of various concentrations of emodin on the survival rate of MΦ. Doxy-cycline was used as the control to compare half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of the two drugs. MΦ were cultured with Brucella at a ratio of 100 : 1 for 4 h. MΦ and Brucella were further cultured for 1, 6,12,24 and 48 h after adding emodin. Effects of emodin on the survival of MΦ were analyzed by colony counting method. ELISA was performed to detect the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ in culture superna-tants. Results On day 8 of culturing,91.28% of bone marrow cells differentiated into macrophages. The IC50of emodin(608.4 μg/ml) was significantly higher than that of doxycycline(225.5 μg/ml). The logC-FU values of emodin stimulation groups (6,12,24 and 48 h) were significantly lower than those of blank control groups. Among all emodin stimulation groups, the 24 h group had the lowest logCFU value, which was also lower than that of the doxycycline treatment group. The levels of TNF-α,IL-6 and IFN-γ in 6,12 and 24 h emodin stimulations group increased significantly as compared with those of the corresponding con-trol groups. The levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ peaked at 24 h of culturing Brucella-infected MΦ with emodin. No significant difference in IFN-γ level was found between the 12 and 24 h emodin stimulation groups [(74.233 ±4.416) pg/ml vs (78.328 ±8.932) pg/ml]. Conclusion Emodin may enhance the ability of macrophages to kill Brucella through promoting the expression of TNF-α,IL-6 and IFN-γ.

Quercetin suppresses lung cancer growth by targeting Aurora B kinase.

aurora B kinase is highly expressed in several cancer cells and promotes tumorigenesis and progression, and therefore, it is an important target for drug to treat tumors. Quercetin was identified to be an antitumor agent. Herein, we report for the first time that quercetin inhibited aurora B activities by directly binding with aurora B in vitro and in vivo. Ex vivo studies showed that quercetin inhibited aurora B activities in JB6 Cl41 cells and A549 lung cancer cells. Moreover, knockdown of aurora B in A549 cells decreased their sensitivities to quercetin. In vivo study demonstrated that injection of quercetin in A549 tumor-bearing mice effectively suppressed cancer growth. The phosphorylation of histone 3 in tumor tissues was also decreased after quercetin treatment. In short, quercetin can suppress growth of lung cancer cells as an aurora B inhibitor both in vitro and in vivo.

Therapeutic effect analysis for open resection in osteoid osteoma around lesser trochanter of femur / 中南大学学报(医学版)

To evaluate the radiological features of osteoid osteoma around lesser trochante of femur, and to analyze the outcomes of treatment with open surgery.
 Methods: From July 2013 to August 2015, 14 patients (9 males, 5 females) with osteoid osteoma around lesser trochanter were retrospectively reviewed. The ages of patients were 9-44 (average 20) years old. The duration of symptom was 3-36 (average 8) months. After the X-ray plain radiography, CT and MR, all patients underwent open resection. No intense exercise was allowed in the first three months after the operation.
 Results: There were 9 cases of cortical type, and 5 cases of subperiosteal type. The niduses were found by plain radiographs in 9 patients. By CT scan, the niduses were found in all 14 patients. The average pre-operative visual analogue scale (VAS) without NSAIDs was 6.5. One month after the operation, the average VAS was 0 for all patients. The follow up time for all patients was 9-34 (average 20) months. No recurrence, infection, neurovascular injury or fracture was found during the follow up.
 Conclusion: Open resection is a feasible method for osteoid osteoma around lesser trochanter of femur with satisfied outcome and low complication rate.

Efficacy of reconstruction with modular endoprosthesis after resection of periacetabular malignant tumors / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the efficacy of the resection of periacetabular malignant tumors and the reconstruction with modular endoprosthesis.
@*METHODS@#From August 2006 to December 2012, 22 patients with periacetabular malignant tumors, who received the resection and reconstruction with modular prosthesis, were retrospectively reviewed. There were 11 males and 11 females, and the average age was 44 (16-65) years old. Pathological results showed there were 13 cases of chondrosarcoma, 5 cases of osteosarcoma, 2 cases of Ewing's sarcoma, 1 case of maligant fibrous histiocytoma, and 1 case of giant cell tumor. According to the classification system by Enneking, there were 11 cases of Type II+III resection, 5 cases of Type I+II+III resection, 3 cases of Type I+II resection, and 3 cases of Type II resection.
@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up. The average time for follow-up was 49 (11-103) months. At the last time of follow-up, 13 patients (59%) were still alive, 9 patients (41%) died due to their primary disease. Metastasis occurred in 8 patients (36%), and local recurrence occurred in 5 patients (23%). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score for 13 cases of alive patients at the latest time of follow-up was (18.5±5.7) months. The mean score for 11 patients, whose limb salvage were successful, was 20.7±2.0.
@*CONCLUSION@#Reconstruction with modular prosthesis after wide resection for periacetabular malignant tumor can achieve satisfied outcome.

The structure of H2TiO3-a short discussion on "Lithium recovery from salt lake brine by H2TiO3".

A short discussion on the structure of H2TiO3 presented in the article entitled Lithium recovery from salt lake brine by H2TiO3 (R. Chitrakar, Y. Makita, K. Ooi and A. Sonoda, Dalton Trans., 2014, 43, 8933) is presented. In our opinion, it is not correct to identify the phase of H2TiO3 as monoclinic. The XRD pattern of H2TiO3 differs substantially from that of Li2TiO3. XRD pattern simulation shows that the peak (1[combining macron]33) and the peak (2[combining macron]06) cannot be fully collapsed or substantially decrease in intensity by substitution of Li(+) with H(+) if H2TiO3 shares a similar space group and lattice parameters with Li2TiO3. A direct verification of a similar structure by N. V. Tarakina and co-workers may aid the confirmation of the structure. The layered double hydroxide type with the 3R1 sequence of oxygen layers is more reasonable for H2TiO3 and can be described as a stacking of charge-neutral metal oxyhydroxide slabs [(OH)2OTi2O(OH)2].

Different anticoagulant drugs during knee joint replacement:changes of hemorheology / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:After knee joint replacement, patients are often treated with Rivaroxaban and Enoxaparin Sodium for postoperative anticoagulation, avoiding the formation of deep vein thrombosis in lower limbs. OBJECTIVE:To explore the application effects of different anticoagulant drugs in patients with knee joint replacement. METHODS:Ninety patients underwent knee joint replacement in Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University from July 2011 to July 2014, were randomly divided into two groups, with 45 patients in each group. The experimental group was treated with Rivaroxaban, while the control group was treated with Enoxaparin. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Postoperative drainage volume, total blood transfusion, bleeding index, quantity of blood platelet, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin reduction time, whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, D-dimer coagulation index, HSS score at postoperative 2 weeks, average ecchymosis area, average thigh circumference, and average leg circumference were significantly better in the experimental group, than in the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of deep vein thrombosis of lower limbs in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Experimental findings indicate that, both Rivaroxaban and Enoxaparin can exert anticoagulation effect during the knee joint replacement, and Rivaroxaban is better.

Macular thickness and macular volume in diabetic patients without apparent visual loss / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Abstract? AlM: To evaluate macular thickness and macular volume changes in people with diabetes mellitus but no significant decrease of visual acuity.?METHODS:A total of 87 eyes were collected in diabetic group. According to the international stage of diabetic retinopathy, these cases were divided into two subgroups:DR0 stage 54 eyes and DR1 stage 33 eyes. All the cases were received optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan in macular area;the scanning model is 512× 128; recording macular average thickness and macular volume, and compared with healthy subjects.? RESULTS: Macular average thickness and macular volume were higher in DR1 group than those in DR0 stage and control group, and differences were having statistical significance. But DR0 group and control group differences of the two indexes were not statistically significant.? CONCLUSlON: With the aggravation of diabetic retinopathy, the macular thickness tends to be thicken. Although without obvious visual loss, there have been slight morphological changes. Using OCT scan can find fundus changes earlier in patients with diabetes mellitus, and provide clinical basis for both early diagnosis and treatment.

Long-term efficacy and safety of telbivudine as monotherapy and as combination therapy with adefovir dipivoxil in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To prospectively observe the long-term antiviral efficacy and safety of telbivudine (LDT) administered as a monotherapy and as a combination therapy with adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) in patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and positivity for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 140 patients with HBeAg-positive CHB were randomly divided into treatment groups for LDT monotherapy (n = 75; 600 mg orally, once daily) and LDT+ADV combination therapy (n = 65; LDT 600 mg plus ADV 10 mg orally, once daily). The shortest treatment course was 96 weeks and the longest was 240 weeks. At treatment weeks 12, 24, 48?, 96, 144, 192, and 240 patients were tested for hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, HBeAg seroconversion and ALT normalization time; in addition, the incidence and type of adverse drug reactions were recorded. Data were statistically analyzed to determine the significance of differences observed between groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The rate of patients experiencing more than or equal to 2 log HBV DNA reduction was higher in the LDT + ADV group (92.3%(60/65) vs. LDT: 86.7%(65/75), X2 = 1.58). The HBV DNA negative rates of the LDT and LDT + ADV groups were 62.7% and 61.5% (X2 = 0.01) at week 24, 76.0% and 81.5% (X2 = 0.63) at week 48, 80.0% and 89.2% (X2 = 2.2) at week 96, 78.3% and 93.3% (X2 = 3.24) at week 144, 83.7% and 91.7% (X2 = 0.47) at week 192, and 93.3% and 88.9% at week 240 (comparison between two groups for each point P more than 0.05); both groups showed higher early and rapid sustained HBV DNA negative rates. For the HBeAg seroconversion, the rates of the LDT and LDT + ADV groups were 17.3% and 23.1% (X2 = 0.71) at week 24, 29.3% and 30.8% (X2 = 0.03) at week 48, 42.7% and 40.0% (X2 = 0.10) at week 96, 55.0% and 43.3% (X2 = 1.08) at week 144, 55.8% and 66.7% (X2 = 0.45) at week 192, and 63.3% and 66.7% at week 240; however, pairwise comparison showed no statistically significant differences between the groups (P more than 0.05). Similarly, there was no significant difference between the two groups in incidence of resistance at week 48 (4.0% and 1.5%), week 96 (5.3% and 3.1%), week 144 (10.0% and 3.3%, X2 = 1.23), week 192 (11.6% and 8.3%), and week 240 (13.3% and 11.1%) (all P more than 0.05). Three patients experienced muscle soreness (LDT, n = 2; LDT + ADV, n = 1) and two patients experienced increased creatine phosphokinase (LDT, n = 1; LDT + ADV, n = 1); all side effects resolved spontaneously or with symptom-appropriate treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The long-term efficacy of LDT as a monotherapy or as a combination therapy with ADV was similar and the two different treatment approaches were associated with similar rates of resistance. The long-term safety was good for both treatment approaches.</p>

Silicon Dioxide Particles Deposited in Vessels and Cartilage of the Femoral Head

Silicosis had been considered for decades as an illness with manifestations of lung fibrosis due to inhalation of overconcentrated SiO2 dust. To the best of our knowledge, studies have yet to report SiO2 deposits in any other tissues and organs. In the present case, while performing bilateral artificial total hip arthroplasty for one patient, we found that the articular cartilage of the bilateral femoral head was black. Therefore, specimens thereof were sent for pathological examination. Pathological examination (immunohistochemistry) and polarized light microscopy revealed the presence of considerable brown, acicular, rhombic, and crumb-like crystals. The crystals were mainly composed of SiO2. SiO2 could deposit in vessels and femoral head cartilage via blood circulation.

Expression of NF-κB and osteopontin of synovial fluid of patients with knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the significance of osteopontin and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) expression in patients with knee osteoarthritis.@*METHODS@#RT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to measure the Osteopontin (OPN) and NF-κB concentration of knee joint synovial fluid of patients with knee osteoarthritis and trauma fractures, and analyze the relationship between the expressiones of them.@*RESULTS@#OPN and NF-κB expression at the mRNA and protein levels of patients with knee osteoarthritis were significantly higher than the control group. the result showed statistical significance (P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between the OPN levels in synovial fluid of patients with knee osteoarthritis and NF-κB expression levels (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The high expression of OPN and NF-κB are closely related to occurrence and development of knee osteoarthritis.